If you have ever seen an E3 error on your washing machine, you know how frustrating it can be. This error code usually indicates a problem with the machine’s temperature sensor or heating element. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix the E3 error and get your washing machine back to working order.
Step 1: Turn Off the Washing Machine
The first step in fixing an E3 error is to turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the power source. This will prevent any electrical shocks or injuries while you are working on the machine.
Step 2: Check the Temperature Sensor
The next step is to check the temperature sensor. This is a small device located near the heating element of the washing machine. It measures the temperature of the water and sends a signal to the control board to adjust the heating element accordingly.
To check the temperature sensor, you will need a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the two terminals on the sensor. If the multimeter reads a resistance of infinity or zero, the temperature sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 3: Replace the Temperature Sensor
If the temperature sensor is faulty, it needs to be replaced. You can find a replacement sensor at your local hardware store or online. To replace the sensor, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the wires from the old temperature sensor.
- Remove the old sensor from its mounting bracket.
- Insert the new sensor into the mounting bracket.
- Reconnect the wires to the new sensor.
Step 4: Check the Heating Element
If the temperature sensor is not the problem, the E3 error may be caused by a faulty heating element. To check the heating element, you will need a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the two terminals on the heating element. If the multimeter reads a resistance of infinity or zero, the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 5: Replace the Heating Element
If the heating element is faulty, it needs to be replaced. You can find a replacement heating element at your local hardware store or online. To replace the heating element, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the power supply to the washing machine.
- Remove the back panel of the washing machine to access the heating element.
- Disconnect the wires from the old heating element.
- Remove the old heating element from its mounting bracket.
- Insert the new heating element into the mounting bracket.
- Reconnect the wires to the new heating element.
- Replace the back panel of the washing machine.
- Reconnect the power supply to the washing machine.
Step 6: Check the Control Board
If the temperature sensor and heating element are both functioning properly, the E3 error may be caused by a faulty control board. To check the control board, you will need a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the voltage setting and touch the probes to the two terminals on the control board. If the multimeter reads a voltage of zero, the control board is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 7: Replace the Control Board
If the control board is faulty, it needs to be replaced. You can find a replacement control board at your local hardware store or online. To replace the control board, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the power supply to the washing machine.
- Remove the top panel of the washing machine to access the control board.
- Disconnect the wires from the old control board.
- Remove the old control board from its mounting bracket.
- Insert the new control board into the mounting bracket.
- Reconnect the wires to the new control board.
- Replace the top panel of the washing machine.
- Reconnect the power supply to the washing machine.
FAQs
Q. What does the E3 error mean?
A. The E3 error on a washing machine usually indicates a problem with the machine’s temperature sensor or heating element.
Q. Can I fix the E3 error myself?
A. Yes, you can fix the E3 error yourself by following the steps outlined in this article. However, if you are not comfortable working with electrical devices, it is best to call a professional repair person.
Q. How long does it take to fix the E3 error?
A. The time it takes to fix the E3 error depends on the cause of the error. If it is a simple fix like replacing the temperature sensor, it may only take a few minutes. If it is a more complex fix like replacing the control board, it may take several hours.
Conclusion
The E3 error on a washing machine can be frustrating, but it is usually fixable. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can diagnose and repair the problem yourself. However, if you are not comfortable working with electrical devices, it is best to call a professional repair person. With a little effort, you can get your washing machine back to working order in no time.